Records

Records Division of the Columbus Police Department is open to the public Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., excluding holidays. The Records Division is located in the lobby of the Police Department.

Accident Reports and Incident Reports

A public copy of a report may be obtained from the records department two business days after the incident occurred. There is a five-dollar fee for State Accident Reports. A State Accident Report can also be retrieved from www.buycrash.com All other reports must be obtained from the records department Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. excluding holidays. Helpful information to find a report includes report number or date, location of the incident, name and date of birth of the involved.

Handgun License

There are two types of handgun licenses available in the State of Indiana; Hunting and Target license, and Personal Protection License. A Hunting and Target license is a limited license that allows a person to lawfully transport a handgun to and from hunting or target shooting only. A Personal Protection license allows a person to lawfully carry a handgun at any time on his or her person or in a vehicle.

To apply for a Personal Protection License go to www.isp.in.gov and follow the directions under the firearms licensing tab. After the permit has been applied for, an appointment for fingerprints must be made through Identogo. Contact information for Identogo is www.identogo.com or by calling 1-877-472-6917. After these steps are completed, please allow 3-5 business days before contacting the Columbus Police Department for processing. When you come to the police department, please bring your Identogo form and a valid license or identification. As of July 1, 2021 there is no longer a fee for Personal Protection Licenses.

Incident Reports

Basic incident reports, such as vandalism, theft, damage to property, can be requested by calling 812-376-2653 or in person at the Records Division at least two business days after the completion of the report. Multiple incident report requests should be made at least one day in advance via the telephone.

VIN Inspections

Before a VIN inspection, a $5 fee must be paid to the Records Division in person or over the phone with a credit card by calling 812-376-2653. The vehicle being inspected must be within the City of Columbus or brought to the Columbus Police Department. After the fee is paid, contact Dispatch at 812-379-1689 to request an officer to do the inspection.

Request for Reports, Photos, & Videos

To obtain copies of records, photos, or videos, please complete the forms below and email to records@columbus.in.gov, or mail or deliver to Columbus Police Department, 123 Washington Street, Columbus, IN 47201.

Forms are fillable PDFs, but can also be printed and filled by hand.